November Speaker

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CCWRT November, 2017 Issue

Meeting Date: November 16, 2017

Place: The Drake Center

(6:00) Sign-in and Social (6:30) Dinner (7:15) Business Meeting (7:30) Speaker

Dinner Menu: Southern Fried Chicken, Tossed Salad w/ Assorted Dressings, Sweet Potato, Succotash, and Peach Cobbler Vegetarian Option: Upon request

Speaker: David A. Powell, Chicago, IL

Topic: A Tale of Two Corps Commanders: D. H. Hill and A. M. McCook at Chickamauga

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Reservations: If you do not have an Automatic Reservation, please remember to submit your meeting reservation to the web site at http://cincinnaticwrt.org/wordpress/contact/rsvp/ or call it in to Dave Stockdale at 513-310-9553. Leave a message, if necessary. If you are making a reservation for more than yourself, please provide the names of the others. Please note that all reservations must be in no later than 8:00 pm Wednesday, November 8, 2017. ______

November Speaker:

Daniel Harvey Hill and Alexander McD. McCook had their Civil War careers badly tarnished because of Chickamauga. McCook commanded the Union XX Corps, which was routed off the battlefield on September 20, 1863. Hill and Confederate army commander Braxton Bragg had such a bitter falling-out that Hill was relieved of command a month later. Both men also had long careers after the war’s end – Hill as a writer,

1 ©2017 The Cincinnati Civil War Round Table editor, and educator; McCook as a professional soldier. This talk explores each man’s role in the Battle of Chickamauga and some interesting aspects of their postwar lives.

David A. Powell is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute (1983) with a B.A. in history. He has published numerous articles in various magazines and created more than fifteen historical simulations of different battles. For the past decade, David’s focus has been on the epic battle of Chickamauga, and he is nationally recognized for his tours of that important battlefield. The result of that study was his first published book, The Maps of Chickamauga (Savas Beatie, 2009).

His latest book is Failure in the Saddle: Nathan Bedford Forrest, Joe Wheeler, and the Confederate Cavalry in the Chickamauga Campaign (Savas Beatie, 2011). David is currently working on a full length monograph of the battle of Chickamauga. The first volume of that work, entitled The Chickamauga Campaign: A Mad Irregular Battle, was released in November 2014.

David and his wife, Anne, live and work in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. He is Vice President of Airsped, Inc., a specialized delivery firm.

David A. Powell

President’s Report …from Lester Burgin

Look around the room the next time you come to a CCWRT meeting and make a mental note of the ages of the people there. Usually, we have very few, if any, attendees under the age of 30. Or, maybe even 40! What can we take from that? Are young people just not interested in history? Not interested in the American Civil War? No time for meetings?

Well, I know for a fact that people younger than 30 do like history. Just look at the overwhelming popularity of the Broadway production Hamilton which has been sold out almost every performance since it opened. Not only did that show popularize Alexander Hamilton, but it also popularized historical sites in New York City associated with Hamilton, and a rise in interest in all things related to Hamilton and the American Revolution. The show, which featured the hip-hop music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, was based on the well-written but rather traditional historic biography about Hamilton’s life written by Ron Chernow. While many of us history lovers probably read the book, who could have imagined the characters in the book coming to life as hip-hop Broadway singers and dancers, such as when the King of England croons to Jefferson, Burr, Washington and Hamilton:

Oceans rise, empires fall We have seen each other through it all And when push comes to shove I will send a fully armed battalion to remind you of my love

When I saw the show in New York, my daughter told me that, in her opinion, all history classes in the future should be taught in hip-hop rhyme. And the “filled to capacity” crowd was mostly…. YOUNG PEOPLE!

I look forward to Ron Chernow’s new book simply entitled Grant. I must say that I can’t imagine all the Civil War generals coming to life in a hip-hop show on Broadway (who would play McClelland or Stonewall Jackson?), but if they do, and the show becomes as popular as Hamilton, we should all take a trip to New York, and then make room for more young people at the Round Table.

Items of Interest

Presentation on Cincinnati and the Civil War River Navy CCWRT member Gary Johnson will be presenting his talk “When Cincinnati Could Be Called a Navy Town: The Civil War River Navy” at the Main Branch of the Cincinnati Public Library, 800 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, on November 18, 2017, at 1:00 pm. In his talk, he will be sharing genealogical information available from naval records.

Although 625 miles from blue water, the US Navy was a significant presence in Cincinnati during the Civil War. Cincinnati had a long history of experienced rivermen and major steamboat infrastructure to support modifying steamboats into warships suited for fighting in the shallow water rivers of the west. Armed and armored steam boats were needed to support Grant and Sherman as they recaptured the Mississippi River from the Confederacy. Lightly armored "tinclad" steamboats then helped keep the rivers open. Some 3,300 Ohioans served in the Navy, many recruited at the Public Landing. Examples of the types of naval records

3 ©2017 The Cincinnati Civil War Round Table available for Cincinnati personnel will be included to build on Gary's previous talk, "Webbed-feet on the Western Waters." See https://hcgsohio.org/eventListings.php?nm=142 .

Buffington Island Battlefield Commemorative Christmas Ornaments As part of its fundraising activities to save the Buffington Island Battlefield, Ohio’s only major Civil War battle (fought July 19, 1863), the non-profit Buffington Island Battlefield Preservation Foundation is selling commemorative Christmas ornaments for 2017. These ornaments will change every year, and so only a limited set of these ornaments with the 2017 design will be available this year for purchase. Next year’s design will be totally different. Below are photos of the 2017 design of the ornament.

The retail price for these ornaments is $14 each, but BIBPF is selling them at $10 each (a savings of $4 to you). All proceeds from the sales goes toward preservation of the Buffington Island Battlefield in Portland, OH. Please contact David Mowery at [email protected] or at 513-774-9544 for more details on how to get one. David will be bringing ornaments to the November CCWRT meeting, if you wish to buy one or more from him there and avoid shipping costs. Cash is welcome, but checks can be made out to “BIBPF.”

front side back side

October Presentation ... submitted by Don Vogel

Alright, let’s begin by asking you hardcore Civil War buffs if you have ever heard the name, JOHN P. SLOUGH? It’s a pretty good bet you have not come across this fellow in your studies. This is where Richard L. Miller comes in. Richard (Dick) originally came from the Cincinnati area, moving to Seattle some years ago. Upon retiring, his wife suggested a little something to keep him occupied, “HOW ABOUT JOHN P. SLOUGH?” Yea, how about that: a study of a Civil War officer that few remember. And this officer definitely had some problems that would affect his command and his relationship with not only subordinates, but also officers under whom he served. He had a terrible, out-of-control temper that made it difficult for him to recruit men and to get them outfitted for the war. His temper and attitude led to several mutinies, and eventually Slough tendered his resignation, as he was in fear of his life from the men in his command.

Dick does a great job with the soldier John P. Slough in his presentation. As with many of our presenters, he delivers in great detail a tough subject, with the visuals being a tremendous help.

It took Dick about three years of research to put this presentation together, and the finished product that he shared with the Cincinnati Civil War Round Table is a study well done and received. Thank you.

Book Review …submitted by Thomas L. Breiner Slaughter at the Chapel: The Battle of Ezra Church 1864 by Gary Ecelbarger, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, OK, 2016, 275 pages, Hardcover $26.95.

Slaughter at the Chapel by Gary Ecelbarger is a detailed analysis of the 1864 battle at Ezra Church, which was part of Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. This little known battle has been universally misunderstood; however, many historians believe that this battle was the turning point in the Atlanta Campaign. With minimal documentation available, the author has been able to finally determine the timeline and instructions from General John Bell Hood that led the new corps commander Stephen Dill Lee to attack the formidable Union position.

The Union Army of the Tennessee was under the command of newly appointed Major General Oliver Otis Howard. Howard had just replaced the very popular Major General John “Black Jack” Logan. Fortunately for Howard, once the battle commenced, Logan threw off his disappointment and resumed his excellent battlefield management. He was everywhere, encouraging the soldiers and sending timely reinforcements. His combat decisions were exceptional.

Lieutenant General Stephen Lee was in his second day commanding the corps. Two new commanders would tangle in the bloodiest action in the Atlanta Campaign. General Hood failed to be on scene during this battle, even though he had his least experienced corps commander managing the tactical aspects. This resulted in Lee repeatedly attacking piecemeal. Even the courage, gallantry, and dedication displayed by the Rebels could not overcome the deadly fire from the Union positions. The second part of Hood’s plan called for Lieutenant General Alexander P. Stewart, with only eight days’ experience as a corps commander, to conduct a flank attack. Hood failed to designate an overall commander, and since both Lee and Stewart had the same date of rank, June 23, 1864, neither was senior. Stewart, cooperating with Lee, accepted Lee’s request for renewed attacks on the Union position, which resulted in more casualties without any gain.

This work by Gary Ecelbarger is extremely well-researched and has excellent analyses of the instruction provided to the commanders, the location of the Union lines, and the sequence of events. The book answers many questions concerning why this battle was fought and how desperate the struggle was. The battle was very unusual in that the Federal forces did not have artillery support, which is considered essential for a successful defense. Yet, even without artillery, the Union troops were able to inflict devastating casualties on the Confederates. This battle took the Confederate soldiers out of the fight and the fight out of the Confederate soldiers. This can be seen by the lack of energy of the Confederates at the subsequent Battle of Jonesboro. This is an excellent work that I heartily recommend for everyone interested in the Atlanta Campaign.

October Quiz:

Although Abraham Lincoln authorized the brutal use of military force against a rebellious South, he was hesitant to rule his own soldiers with an iron fist. The president rejected staff advice to make examples of deserters by executing them, noting that the sheer number of these cases would lead to “wholesale butchery.” According to the Army’s judge advocate general, Lincoln “always leaned to the side of mercy” when reviewing “leg cases,” so called by the president because of one soldier’s memorable confession: “I have just as brave a heart as Julius Cesar (sic) but these legs of mine will always run away with me when the battle begins.”

Ref: “Five Best,” Russell, An Oral History of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Burlingame (1996), Wall Street Journal Books, 17 Dec. 2016. .

1. It’s midafternoon on 23 Oct. 1862, and Stonewall Jackson’s troops have just overrun Front Royal, VA, during which Rebel general Steuart’s 1st Maryland regiment essentially captured the entire Union’s ______(No.) ______(state) regiment.

2. What were the Ella and Annie, Cornubia, and Robert E. Lee?

3. Which religious service organization was recognized for contributing to the welfare of both Union and Rebel troops injured during the Battle of Richmond, KY, by its historical society on 6 Aug. 2017?

4. The first Civil War battlefield site to be preserved by the original Civil War Preservation organization (The Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, APCWS), born on 18 July 1987, was ______.

5. William Seward was not only interested in acquiring Alaska but also several other political entities, one of which was Panama. In 1904, lease rights in the Canal Zone were eventually secured under another Secretary of State named ______.

BONUS QUESTION: The second biggest Civil War battle fought in Pennsylvania was the battle of ______. (in 1863)

Quiz Answers:

1. (a) 1st; (b) Maryland Ref.: Lee’s Lieutenants, Freeman, Vol. I, p. 381

2. Very successful blockade runners; the three ships had made 41 successful runs through the Union blockade, usually from Bermuda to North Carolina ports, but all three ships became victims of the blockade between 7 & 9 Nov. 1863. Blockade historian Stephen Wise has called the capture of the

three vessels “a devastating blow to Confederate blockade running” and equivalent to what Gettysburg represented to the Confederate army. Ref.: Civil War Pharmacy, Flannery, pp.197-199

3. Cincinnati’s Sisters of Charity Ref.: V. Buchanan, Archive Director, Sisters of Charity’s Mt. St. Joseph College; in telephone call 18 July 2017

4. Port Republic (8.5 acres) in 1989 Ref.: Email of 18 July 2017 from [email protected]

5. John Hay Ref.: C-SPAN3, 12 Feb 2013, “Seward: Lincoln’s Indispensable Man,” Stahr

BONUS QUESTION:

Monterey Pass (4 July 1863)

Ref.: Google, 10,000 soldiers fight at Monterey Pass; C-SPAN3, 30 June 2017, “Confederate Retreat from Gettysburg”; After Gettysburg: Lee’s Retreat, Meade Pursues, Mieczkowski

Future Presentations:

Jan. 18, 2018 Peter J. D’Onofrio, PhD, Reynoldsburg, OH Medical Advancements of the Civil War Feb. 15, 2018 Ron Blair, Lexington, KY Wild Wolf: Col. Frank Wolford and the 1st Kentucky Cavalry Mar. 15, 2018 James “Bud” Robertson, Richmond, VA Water: The Most Overlooked Element of the Civil War Apr. 19, 2018 Chris Burns, Cincinnati The Siege of Cincinnati May 17, 2018 Wayne Motts, Harrisburg, PA Pickett’s Charge: A Battlefield Guide Sep. 20, 2018 Greg Biggs. Clarksville, TN The Question Was One of Supplies: The Logistics for William T. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign Oct. 18, 2018 Dan Welch, Youngstown, OH The Last Road North: A Guide to the Gettysburg Campaign

ABOUT THE CINCINNATI CWRT:

Membership in the Cincinnati CWRT is open to anyone with an active interest in the American Civil War. Annual dues (prorated throughout the year to new members) are $25 (single) and $35 (couple) for a Regular Membership. This fee helps cover operating costs which include this newsletter, as well as speaker expenses. A Sustaining Member level of membership is also available for $50 (single) and $85 (couple). The purpose of this membership category is to encourage and recognize members who make additional contributions of $25 or more, in addition to their annual dues in any fiscal year, to the objectives and programs of the Cincinnati Civil War Round Table. Students enrolled full time in any recognized secondary or higher institute of learning can use a Student Membership, which applies a discount of $10 to each of the above dues rates. Dinner reservations are required, and can be made prior to the reservations deadline either by the web site http://cincinnaticwrt.org/wordpress/contact/rsvp/ or by a phone call to the officer taking reservations for the meeting (whose name and number is listed on the header of the current Canister). Meals currently cost $20. Menu selection will change with each meeting. A vegetarian meal option is available, if requested prior to the reservations cut-off date. A Meeting Only Fee of $5.00 is assessed to members, visitors and guests who arrive after dinner to hear the speaker. No reservation is necessary. The monies collected are used to help offset the expenses of the evening’s activities. Late Reservations and Walk-ins without a reservation: Our ability to be flexible for late reservations or walk-ins is now restricted by the fact that the Drake Center only prepares meals according to the reservation count called in. Therefore, Late Reservations (after the Wednesday by 8:00 pm which is eight days before the meeting) will be accepted conditionally, subject to the caterer's ability to honor a change in dinner count if received close to the meeting date. Late Reservations and Walk-ins without a reservation will only be able to have dinner if offset by cancellations or no-shows, or if the caterer determines that sufficient food is available. Late cancellations may be made by email or phone. Since a cancellation after the Wednesday 8:00 pm deadline which is eight days before the meeting means that CCWRT has guaranteed payment to The Drake Center for the reserved number of meals, the Treasurer will review the number of late cancellations and late reservations for every meeting. If a late cancellation results in the CCWRT being required to pay for an extra meal, the person making the late cancellation will be expected to pay for the dinner. No-shows who have a dinner reservation but do not attend will be billed for the meal. Meetings are held the third Thursday of the month, September – November and January – May at The Drake Center, 151 West Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45216 (Phone: 513-418-2500). If traveling Interstate 75, exit at Galbraith Road (Exit 10) and go west one mile. If coming across the Ronald Reagan Cross County Highway, take the Galbraith Road exit and go west two miles. Or, take the Galbraith/Winton exit and go east one mile. Free parking is available in the WEST PAVILION parking lot. The West Pavilion entrance will take you to the meeting rooms. To get to our meeting room, enter the West Pavilion main entrance and go to the left side of the gift shop found opposite the entryway; the meeting room is located at the far end of the cafeteria hallway.

CINCINNATI CWRT OFFICERS: President: Lester Burgin 513-891-0610 (h) [email protected] Vice-President: Dave Stockdale 513-310-9553 (c) [email protected] Treasurer: Tom Williams 513-608-4391 (h) [email protected] Secretary: Don Vogel 859-360-9455 (h) [email protected] Program Chair: Dan Bauer 513-759-4495 (h) [email protected] Newsletter Editor: David Mowery 513-774-9544 (h) [email protected] Membership & Publicity: Wanda Langdon 513-505-6871 (h) [email protected]

Trustee: Tom Breiner (2017-2019) 513-984-3101 (h) [email protected] Trustee: Dawn Mowery (2016-2018) 513-774-9544 (h) [email protected]

COMMITTEES: Activities: VACANT -- -- Preservation Projects: Bob Haines 513-257-8854 (h) [email protected] Harvey Olff 513-221-3422 Ex. 3024 (w) [email protected] Webmaster: Mike Rogers 859-907-3096 (c) [email protected] Social Media: Mike Rogers 859-907-3096 (c) [email protected] CCWRT E-Mail Address [email protected] 8 ©2017 The Cincinnati Civil War Round Table